It's 6 p.m. somewhere in the middle of the Arabian Sea. A ship looms on the horizon, glowing in the orange light of a beautiful sunset. All is quiet, until two fighter planes scream off the deck of the U.S.S. Theodore Roosevelt in a flash of light. None of the sailors working on the flight deck pause to take in the view. Instead, they remain focused on their jobs.
The Roosevelt is a powerful weapon in America's war against terrorism. It is one of the largest aircraft carriers in the world, employing 5,500 members of the U.S. Navy. Its massive deck—the size of three football fields—holds 70 fighter jets. On the deck sit four steam-powered catapults, which can send aircraft soaring from sea to sky in less than three seconds. The ship is the same height as a 24-story building and has many of the services of a small town, including chapels, gyms and cafeterias.
A Ship that Never Sleeps
The Roosevelt is leading one of three U.S. battle groups stationed in the Arabian Sea. It has been on the front lines for more than a month, staging bombing missions against Taliban and terrorist strongholds in Afghanistan. Flying under the cover of darkness helps maintain constant pressure on the Taliban forces. Once the planes return, they're checked, refueled and armed for the next mission.
The ship's crew works 18-hour shifts, seven days a week. Most of the sailors try to catch some sleep in the afternoon and wake up around 6 p.m. After a hearty pancake breakfast, the sailors head back to work and stay there through the wee hours of the morning. It's exhausting but worth it, says Lieutenant John Oliveira. "There's a great sense of satisfaction that comes with representing America," Oliveira told TFK. "It's very fulfilling to lead such a strong group of young men and women."
Youth is one of the Roosevelt's hallmarks: The average age of a crew member is just 19. Although short on experience, the sailors are a determined bunch. "There is this tremendous sense that it's their job now to make this right," said NBC News reporter Ann Curry after visiting the ship early this month. "It's a lot to take on for very young sailors."
Their mission's tough schedule and the possibility of a prolonged war does not discourage the crew. Sailors on the Roosevelt say they are ready to make any sacrifice for their country. Says Kathryn Whittenberger, 19, a Navy journalist: "I feel good knowing I'm here and doing something to help."